SmartSDR v1.9.7 Now Available for Download

Tim - W4TME

FlexRadio Systems announces the immediate availability of SmartSDR v1.9.7 for the FLEX-6000 Signature Series SDRs.  SmartSDR v1.9.7 is a general release containing new features and fixes for previously identified software defects. The SmartSDR 1.9.7 release contains new software for SmartSDR for Windows, SmartSDR for Maestro, SmartSDR CAT and DAX.  SmartSDR for Windows, which includes SmartSDR CAT and DAX can be downloaded here. 

The following highlights are SmartSDR for Windows specific features:

Filter Tailoring: The filter sharpness for sideband, CW and digital modes is now adjustable along with the filter width. This allows for dramatic reductions in filter latency or increased filter depth (even better shape factors) by adjusting preferences by mode.  Advanced filtering has always been a hallmark of a FlexRadio transceiver and this feature continues the tradition.  No other radio has the capability to alter both the width and depth of filtering dynamically based on operator needs and preferences.  

CW Enhancements: A number of CW usability and enhancements have been made including support for Winkeyer buffered speed changes, improved QSK keying, improved integration with N1MM Logger+ for Enter Sends Message and significant latency and TX turnaround time improvements among others.

DAX Enhancements: DAX now operates with lower latency and also enforces specific timings around PTT control to ensure that DAX audio presented to the radio is always transmitted in its entirety.  This capability helps both sideband operators using DAX for voice keying integrations as well as digital mode operators in either a contest or casual operation setting.

RTTY Mark Frequency: The ability to select a preferred frequency for RTTY mark frequency that works across all receivers in the radio.

Static IP Support: Primarily needed by our public safety and military customers, static IP support allows choosing the permanent IP address, netmask and gateway address for installations where DHCP is either not supported or not desired.  Static or dynamic DHCP is still the recommended method for assigning an IP address to the radio.

Performance Enhancements: By looking closely at common operations we were able to locate a number of ways we could improve performance both inside the radio as well as for the operator.  These enhancements have improved the way the radio sounds when tuning, decreased latency and turn-around time for the operator and ensured that the filters are just right for the job at hand.

Logger enhancements: Too numerous to mention, we have worked with a number of logging programs as well as digital mode programs to ensure the best operation possible.  From a logger perspective, we have tested with N1MM+, WriteLog and Win-Test.  We have also worked with a number of digital mode programs to ensure smooth operation both in contests as well as normal QSO mode.

Variable Split Receiver Behavior: The needs of the DXer operating split and the contester operating SO2V or SO2R are very different.  With this capability, the operator can choose how additional receivers will function as they are added by the operator or a logging program by making a simple adjustment to the CAT port created to interoperate with the logging program.

Improved PTT handling: By applying a set of rules based on operator experience we now carefully consider the use of multiple PTT sources such as VOX for sideband operations and DAX for voice keying and ensure that the correct audio source and behavior are preserved.  This streamlines contest operations as well as enables the use of multiple microphones along with DAX, VOX and foot switches with the radio always "doing the right thing" rather than requiring unnecessary station reconfiguration.

As with any new release, it is recommended that you review the Important Release Details section in the SmartSDR v1.9.7 Release Notes before upgrading. There are several “best practices” recommendations that will facilitate a smooth transition to SmartSDR v1.9.7.  As with any new software release, it is a best practice to back up your profiles before upgrading.  Also due to software changes in several of the internal subsystems, please perform a "cold boot" (power down the radio and momentarily remove power so all processors reset, then reboot) to ensure that all software updates are properly initialized.  For Maestro users, refer to the SmartSDR for Maestro Release Notes for upgrade information.


The cumulative SmartSDR v1.9.7 Change Log detail is listed below.

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v1.9.7 2016-09-08
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#3936 Maestro: Slice menu backspace button now works properly for RTTY Mark, RTTY Shift, and FM Offset
#3951 Maestro: Invalid characters for Global, TX, and MIC profile names are now rejected
#3952 SmartSDR for Windows: PC mic level input no longer gets set when starting up and the MIC input is not set to PC

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v1.9.6 Alpha
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#3935 Maestro: Fixed RTTY Mark Default not updating client on existing RTTY slices
#3957 Radio now ignores PTT related signals while sending CWX

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v1.9.5 Alpha
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#3897 Maestro: Fixed WiFi related UHE when booting up Maestro
#3782 Added handling for buffered speed changes in Winkeyer emulation
#3802 Band Persistence now works properly when memory is applied
#3669 Added default Mic profiles for FHM-2
#3832 Fixed false positives for lost packets when loading a global profile
#191 Added Static IP option for radio

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v1.9.4 Alpha
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#3859 Improved VOX handling in the presence of other PTT signals
#3884 Fixed CWX sometimes getting stuck in transmit
#3883 Fixed DAX transmit clipping on unkey transition
#3856 Optimized remote bandwidth by only streaming TX input if VOX is on (or during TX)
#3855 Fixed fast tune knob skipping

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v1.9.3 Alpha
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#3781 Improve audio popping when tuning and in idle state
#3753 Turnaround time improved by using lower latency filter on TX
#2891 Fixed DAX TX Audio Corruption
#3675 Maestro: CW Pitch now easier to change
#2982 RX Filter latency can now be controlled for Voice, CW, Digital modes. 
#3675 Maestro: CW Pitch now easier to change
#3152 Maestro: If radio disconnects Maestro goes back to Radio Selection after timeout
#3839 Maestro: Brightness does not change when transitioning between TX and RX on battery

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v1.9.2 Alpha
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#3577 Fixed Winkey/N1MM timing when editing a callsign in N1MM (ESM)
#3981 Fixed DAX TX Audio Corruption (required radio reboot to fix)
#3703 PTT now asserted through entire CWX message (Specifically targeting Winkey Emulation)
#3759 Fixed UHE on TCP Read
#3686 Maestro: No longer queuing CW macros when not in CW mode
#3813 Maestro: Fix possible race between hardware startup and version update
#3805 Maestro: VFOB controlling VFOA XIT/RIT is now a user defined option
#3827 Maestro: Lowering the bandwidth of a filter no longer moves the filter
#3818 API: Removed unnecessary tabs in meter status
#3812 API: 'file' command now sends appropriate client_response

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v1.9.1 Alpha
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#3746 Maestro: Added Toggle VOX option to function buttons
#3803 Maestro: Fixed RIT/XIT LEDs being stuck on
#3808 Maestro: AGC slider for Slice A in Audio menu now works
#3756 Maestro: VFO B can now clear VFO A RIT/XIT when Slice B is off
#2809 Fixed Win-Test issues with Winkeyer emulation
#3786 Fixed noise burst on XMIT when using DAX and VOX
#3616 Fixed issues with Remote Power On state not being remembered properly
#3764 Changed messaging when a large amount of RF enters the receiver
#3804 DIGU TX filters now get set properly
#3798 API: Fixed public ObservableCollection getters in FlexLib to prevent null exceptions

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v1.9.0 Alpha 2016-07-01
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#3733 Firmware: Fixed issue where first RF element in CW would be missing intermittently
#3689 Maestro: Added better error handling for failed downloads of the Maestro version list
#3722 Maestro: Added better error handling and recovery for certain UHEs